Unlocking the Door to Your Dream Home with VA Loans: A Guide for Veterans and Military Families

Liz Gibbs • February 14, 2024

At Eagle Mortgage, we're not just in the business of offering loans; we're in the business of making dreams come true. The journey to homeownership might seem daunting for the brave souls who've served our country. But it doesn't have to be. VA loans are designed to honor your service and make the path clearer and more accessible. The start is just the start: zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and lenient credit score requirements. So, if you're a veteran, an active-duty service member, or a surviving spouse, let's explore how VA loans can unlock the door to your dream home.


Eligibility for VA Loans


The first step on this journey is determining eligibility. VA loans are a privilege for:


  • Veterans
  • Active-duty service members
  • National Guard members
  • Reserve members
  • Some surviving spouses


You'll need to have served a minimum period and meet the service requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is your ticket here, and at Eagle Mortgage, we can help you navigate this process smoothly.


Benefits of VA Loans


VA loans come with a suite of benefits designed to make homeownership more attainable:


  • No Down Payment: One of the most significant hurdles to homeownership is the down payment. VA loans often require none, making it easier to take the leap.
  • No PMI: Unlike conventional loans, VA loans don't require you to pay private mortgage insurance, even if your down payment is below 20%.
  • Competitive Interest Rates: The VA backs these loans, leading to lower interest rates compared to many conventional loans.
  • Lenient Credit Requirements: VA loans are more forgiving regarding credit scores, making them accessible to more people.


The Application Process


Applying for a VA loan with Eagle Mortgage is a journey we walk together:


  1. Pre-Qualification: We'll discuss your financial situation and what you're looking for in a home to get an idea of your loan amount.
  2. COE: You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA, which we can help you obtain.
  3. Loan Application: We'll guide you through the application, helping you gather and submit the necessary documents.
  4. Property Appraisal: The VA requires an appraisal to assess the value of the home you're interested in.
  5. Closing: Once everything is in order, we'll close the loan, and you'll get the keys to your new home.


Success Stories


A Navy veteran, John dreamed of a home where his family could grow roots. He bought a spacious four-bedroom house with a VA loan through Eagle Mortgage without draining his savings on a down payment. Maria, a single mother and Army reservist, thought homeownership was out of reach until she explored VA loans with us. Now, she's a proud homeowner, providing stability for her children.


VA loans are a bridge to homeownership for many who've served our country. With no down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates, they're an excellent pathway to owning your dream home. Eagle Mortgage is here to guide you every step of the way, from exploring your eligibility to handing you the keys. Your service deserves honor, and your dreams of homeownership deserve to be realized. Let's make those dreams come true together.

Easy Coleslaw Dressing

By Liz Gibbs • April 28, 2025
Prep Time: Total Time: Servings: 5 mins 5 mins 6 ½ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons white sugar or to taste 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon vinegar ½ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste Gather all ingredients Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, pepper, and salt together in a bowl until smooth and creamy Add to your favorite coleslaw mix! Nutrition Facts (per serving) 142 Calories 14g Fat 5g Carbs 0g Protein

Egg Roll Noodle Bowl

By Liz Gibbs • March 28, 2025
Prep Time Cook Time Yield 15 min 15 min 4 servings Ingredients 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1/2 pound ground pork 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon pepper 6 cups shredded cabbage (about 1 small head) 2 large carrots, shredded (about 2 cups) 4 ounces rice noodles 3 green onions, thinly sliced Additional soy sauce, optional Directions In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; cook and crumble pork until browned, 4-6 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and seasonings. Add cabbage and carrots; cook until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, 4-6 minutes longer. Advertisement Cook rice noodles according to package directions; drain and immediately add to pork mixture, tossing to combine. Sprinkle with green onions. If desired, serve with additional soy sauce. Nutrition Facts 1-1/2 cups: 302 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Beer Batter Fish Made Great!

By Liz Gibbs • March 6, 2025
Prep Time: Cook Time: Total Time: Servings: 15 mins 15 mins 30 mins 8 Ingredients: - 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying - 8 (4 ounce) fillets cod - salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons garlic powder or to taste - 2 tablespoons paprika or to taste - 2 teaspoons salt or to taste - 2 teaspoons ground black pepper or to taste - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer, or as needed Instructions: 1. Gather all ingredients. 2. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Rinse cod fillets, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper. 3. Mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; add egg and stir well to combine. Gradually mix in enough beer to make a thin batter. 4. Dip cod fillets into the batter to coat. Carefully lower fillets, one at a time, into the hot oil. 5. Fry several fillets at a time, turning once, until cooked through and golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. 6. Drain on paper towels. Repeat to cook remaining fillets. Serve warm. Nutrition Facts (per serving) 448 Calories 30g Fat 23g Carbs 19g Protein
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